The Sound, the Energy, the joy

In the middle of Harry Style’s “Love on Tour,” Sabrina El Shanti was going through it. She was, quite literally, screaming, crying, and on the verge of throwing up. Then, she agreed to write this article. Clear your schedules and go to a concert with her.

It’s July 6 2013, and the evening air is sweat- inducing while you are being eaten alive by various species of bugs. You don’t seem to care as the energy around you is electrifying – adrenaline is already coursing through your veins. You sit on the edge of your seat with your mom, wearing the shirt you made for the occasion and are donned in temporary tattoos and stickers. The lights cut out and are quickly replaced by the shrilling screams of over 60,000 people. The opening notes of “Up All Night” play, and you see the members of One Direction take the stage. The rest of the night is a blur made up of screaming, crying, and singing, and you wake up the next morning with no voice. You can’t wait to do it again.

“You stand in disbelief as your body hums and ears ring, trying to compensate for the deafening bass throughout the show.”

Supporting your favourite artist can manifest itself in many different ways. It can look like losing sleep to stay up until the new album is released or spending more money than you’d care to admit on merchandise. However, going to a concert is one of the most reaffirming experiences a fan can experience. One of my first concerts was One Direction at Hershey Park, and since then, I have been hooked on the euphoric concert moment. The energy is unmatched; you’re surrounded by other people who also adore and respect this artist in one way or another, and you all get to share that moment. Not to mention, you get to see your favourite artist in the flesh. Yes, they are, in fact, real.

All concerts tend to have a similar trajectory that can be represented by a plot diagram. The setup of the concert experience is almost addicting. The opening act is the exposition; you’re getting a feel for the vibe and getting hype for the show. The rising action occurs when the lights cut out followed by the adrenaline rush from the realisation of what you are about to experience. The first few songs catch you in a euphoric state of excitement and bliss. Life is good. The climax of the show is the few songs following the slower songs. Emotions are high; you have to keep up with the change of pace and are reminded of just living in the moment, sans phone. The falling action is when the artist says their goodbyes, and you simply refuse to accept that the concert is almost over. But the show never ends the first time they leave the stage. The cheering and chanting of countless others who also are not ready to accept the show is over fills the now empty and dark space. The artist takes the stage one more time and sings a few more songs, usually their biggest hits. They leave the stage, for real this time, and the lights are back on. “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar plays as everyone leaves. You stand in disbelief as your body hums and ears ring, trying to compensate for the deafening bass throughout the show. The resolution of the concert is you processing the experience for the next few days and finding tickets to the next available show. All is right in the world. The phrase “no thoughts, just vibes” is the best way to accurately describe such an experience. You are just living in the moment, singing your head off, and enjoying the company altogether.

“Right before he takes the stage, the lights cut out, and the screams are piercing. The bright flash of colours and instant adrenaline rush are breathtaking.”

While I am a fan of many artists, my most recent concert in this post-quarantine world was Harry Styles. He was in Washington, DC in September for his Love On Tour, where he sang tracks from his sophomore album, Fine Line. He’s had to push back the tour dates due to the pandemic, so while this tour was initially planned for summer 2020, it was almost surreal being able to attend in 2021. What stood out to me before the show even started was the audience and how they expressed themselves: feather boas, cowboy hats, fruit suits, and heart-shaped sunglasses. The bright and colourful crowd was mesmerising both in and out of the arena. To me, Harry Styles is often associated with bright colours, comfort, and no judgement. His fans are able to enter the arena in their outfits, planned months prior, that make them feel excited and accepted. Think of a drunk girl hyping you up in the bathroom of bars, except no bars or bathrooms but on a street corner in Washington, DC. The ability for Harry to foster such an inclusive environment is artistic in itself, and the show hadn’t even started yet.

“To emphasise the seriousness of the songs, the colourful lights dancing around the arena were turned off and replaced by cell phone flashlights from the audience.”

Right before he takes the stage, the lights cut out, and the screams are piercing. The bright flash of colours and instant adrenaline rush are breathtaking. The concert plot diagram has begun. “Golden” was the opening song, luring you into a false sense of comfort combined with the sensation of euphoria and bliss to propel you through the next few songs. “Falling” and “Cherry” were especially exceptional to hear in-person, as the note changes and emotion flowing through Harry were something you can’t get from listening to them on loop as you drive around the Colonial Parkway. To emphasise the seriousness of the songs, the colourful lights dancing around the arena were turned off and replaced by cell phone flashlights from the audience. The slower songs were quickly replaced by the climax of the show. The more upbeat tunes of “Canyon Moon,” “Treat People With Kindness,” and the cult classic “What Makes You Beautiful” echoed throughout the arena. Blues, reds, yellows, and pinks framed the jumbo screen and lit up the arena, while people in the pit started a conga line, and everyone else jumped to the beat. The energy remained heightened and ethereal throughout the rest of the show, even when he sang “Watermelon Sugar” during the encore to close out the performance. I think I might still be processing.

“The serotonin from attending a concert gives me the strength to push through a tough week and leaves me equipped with many pictures and videos to look back on when I’m feeling down.”

Harry Styles is simply one of the best performers and knows how to work a crowd. The experience was nothing short of a roller coaster, in the best way. The highs and lows of the different songs with different energies, the excitement from the beginning of the show to the reluctant acceptance that it has ended, all these emotions make the concert experience simply unique and unforgettable. While I was fortunate to get to have this experience, it only made me realise how wonderful concerts are in general. Each artist I have seen has expressed themselves in a different way, leaving me with the same feeling each time. The Jonas Brothers, Ariana Grande, even Journey all have left their mark on me in one way or another, often taking my voice for a few days. Attending a concert is another way to support and see your favourite artist, have an out-of-body experience, and keep those good vibes in the following days. The serotonin from attending a concert gives me the strength to push through a tough week and leaves me equipped with many pictures and videos to look back on when I’m feeling down. This is your sign to buy that concert ticket or piece of merchandise you’ve been eyeing. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.